Within the past decade, Maine has emerged as a leader in U.S. seaweed production, with a growing number of commercial farms, significant developments in supply chain and markets, and increases in landings, investments, and infrastructure. In 2010, Maine had a single kelp farm and an undeveloped supply chain, serving local markets and conducting preliminary investigations into value-added processing and products. Now, Maine has over 40 active commercial kelp farms, annual landings totaling over one million pounds, diverse and expanding processing operations, and a viable supply chain. This growth in Maine’s seaweed sector has been driven by a number of factors–primary among them are a well-established maritime workforce, production efficiencies, value-added processors who contract directly with farmers, and investments in research, development, and extension. However, continued development of production systems, processing infrastructure and technology, and market expansion remain critical to advancing the seaweed sector in Maine.
In this presentation, we’ll take an in-depth look at the status of Maine’s seaweed sector across the supply chain–from nurseries, to value-added processors, and markets. Informed by interviews and input from Maine kelp farmers, processors, researchers, and decision makers, this work captures how the industry has evolved in Maine over the past decade and what priorities are on the horizon. These practical insights provide baseline knowledge to inform developing seaweed sectors in other states and reflect emerging priorities for seaweed aquaculture in the U.S.